Every now and then I hear about people knocking the iPad in the synth world. Usually the criticism seems to be a reaction to the hype or the inevitable "it can't do this or that" sort of argument. Don't let the hype (negative or positive) influence you. Just see it for what it is - a piece of hardware with processing power, memory, and a multi-touch interface that can be used to turn it into a synth, audio processing device, controller or whatever else might come out for it. I thought I'd share my thoughts on why I'm particularly fond of it and why you see so many posts here. In short, I like synthesizers, and the iPad is as much a synthesizer as any of my other synths. I didn't get an iPad to replace my synths or controllers, I got one to compliment them, which BTW, is the exact reason I buy any piece of gear.
In regards to synthesis, unless a synth is analog it's digital, and digital is software running on hardware. Whether that's a PC, a dedicated hardware synth or the iPad, it's still software running on hardware, and hardware comes in all shapes and sizes. Like any other synth, the iPad has its advantages and disadvantages.
As for the interface, all hardware varies from being completely menu driven to one knob per parameter. I do have to say Moog's Animoog X/Y pad and PATH module trumps my Prophet VS for drawing vector type paths for manipulating sound in time. The visual feedback is useful rather than gimmicky and the customizable virtual touch plate is extremely expressive and responsive. As for complimenting and extending the interface of my current hardware, my FS1R was practically non editable until I made this TouchOSC template for it. I'm also less worried about the Prophet VS joystick going out now that I have my Prophet VS TouchOSC editor. I prefer the editor to the Prophet VS interface.
As for the iPad not being open, it's definitely more open than most other hardware synths when you think about it. Roland VariOS anyone? Not only was it Roland only, it faded long before new models came out for it. The Creamware Noah allowed you to install VSTs but is now gone as well. The beauty of the iPad platform is the support it receives outside of the synth community which means it's not going anywhere. Worth noting is the interface of the VariOS and Noah were also much more rigid than the iPad. Physical knobs? Sit the iPad on a synth or MIDI controller with knobs and have them compliment each other.
Simply put, the iPad is a chunk of hardware with processing power and memory just like any other hardware synth. It's interface is a multi-touch screen and it can be hooked up to any external MIDI controller. It can be used as a synth, a controller, or whatever else you want it to be. Some say the processing power isn't there yet. True for some applications, and the same can be said for other hardware synths. All of this seems so obvious that I almost did not put this post up, but I keep seeing and hearing things... Let's just say I put the two posts above when this went up because I'm more interested in them. As the saying goes, "nothing to see here, please move on."
Think of the iPad as a rack mount synth that can morph into anything with an added multi-touch screen just for the heck of it, and you'll be just fine. The apps will define it for you though. If you don't see what you like, move on. The same goes for all other hardware synths. And no, it never will replace everything, it will just compliment it.
You can find my initial excitement on the iPad and all tablets for that matter here:
A New World in Synthesis.
Monday, October 17, 2011
VINTAGE ARP SOLOIST SYNTHESIZER 33 1/3 RPM DEMO VINYL RECORD
via this auction"ARP Soloist Synthesizer hard vinyl 33 1/3 RPM demo record is in mint condition. Never played or handled. It shows to have 5 selections, 3 on one side, 2 on the other, all performed by Dave Fredericks. Comes in its original sleeve."
See the seller's other items for more.
VINTAGE ARP SYNTHESIZER PRO SOLOIST 33 1/3 RPM
via this auction"ARP Pro Soloist hard vinyl 33 1/3 RPM demo record is in mint condition. Never played or handled. It shows to have 6 songs, 3 per side, all performed by Dave Fredericks. Comes in its original sleeve."
See the seller's other items for more.
When the Toys Dance
YouTube Uploaded by MaxMusicOne on Oct 17, 2011
"Two performance of WaVe,
Funny videoclip dedicated for all childrens,
Music & Video product by Max Mazzotta,
(C)opyright 2011 siae"
Waldorf Wave
Trigger Bounce
YouTube Uploaded by Ebotronix on Oct 17, 2011
"4ms RCD
Analoge Systems RS 110 RS 360
Doepfer A 134 A 114 A 149 and more
Maestro Ringmodulator
Make Noise Brains Maths Moddemix PP Optomix QMMG René Wogglebug
Malekko AO Uncle Noisering
Moog Freqbox Ringmodulator MP201 CF 251
Toppobrillo TWF Sportmodulator Quantimator
Master Clock Logic via Kenton Pro 2000
6 x Trigger to Maths - QMMG and A 143-1- Optomix"
LABELS/MORE:
4ms,
Analogue Systems,
Doepfer,
Kenton,
Maestro,
Make Noise,
Malekko,
MOOG,
Toppobrillo,
Video
Yamaha SY77 Demo Song Remake: "Let Your Heart Make Up Your Mind" [Unfinished]
YouTube Uploaded by derekaggs11 on Oct 17, 2011
"I only started writing this today, but I thought I'd post my progress thus far. Trying to remake Alisha's hit from 1987 on my Yamaha SY77 and iDrum. Certainly a technical and challenging track to recreate! Most of the patches so far have been AFM rather than AWM."
iZotope, Inc. - iDrum
iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay
Krakken Analog Synth Main Board
via Alfredo Aliaga aka Atomo Synth on Facebook.
Based on the pic getting a MATRIXSYNTH Jones tag, I'm curious if this one is mine. :) I've always wanted one, and I finally got around to ordering one. I can't wait for it to show up. A green two OSC Krakken analog synth from Peru. Going to have to break out the black light. Don't miss the AtomoSynth Krakken Radioactivity cover and the AtomoSynth Krakken YMO Rydeen cover. See the Atomo Synth label for more.
More glowing goodness here.
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
